Biotribocorrosion (tribo-electrochemical) characterization of anodized titanium biomaterial containing calcium and phosphorus before and after osteoblastic cell culture

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the osteoblastic cells behavior and biotribocorrosion phenomena on bioactive titanium (Ti). Ti substrates submitted to bioactive anodic oxidation and etching treatments were cultured up to 28 days with MG63 osteoblast-like cells. Important parameters of in vitro bone-like tissue formation were assessed. Although no major differences were observed between the surfaces topography (both rough) and wettability (both hydrophobic), a significant increase in cell attachment and differentiation was detected on the anodized substrates as product of favorable surface morphology and chemical composition. Alkaline phosphatase production has increased (≈20 nmol/min/mg of protein) on the anodized materials, while phosphate concentration has reached the double of the etched material and calcium production increased (over 20 µg/mL). The mechanical and biological stability of the anodic surfaces were also put to test through biotribocorrosion sliding solicitations, putting in evidence the resistance of the anodic layer and the cells capacity of regeneration after implant degradation. The Ti osteointegration abilities were also confirmed by the development of strong cell–biomaterial bonds at the interface, on both substrates. By combining the biological and mechanical results, the anodized Ti can be considered a viable option for dentistry. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 661–669, 2015.